Cydoor Technologies, which makes
technology to let software developers place ads in their products, on
Wednesday teamed with download site TUCOWS
Network, in an alliance that will likely speed the distribution and
adoption of the Cydoor technology.

The deal calls for the two companies to co-market a package of tools that
would let software companies place banner ads and an e-commerce utility on
their programs. The tools also let software companies send bug patches,
version upgrades, and updates to their users.

Companies like Cydoor, Radiate, and Conducent, which all help software
companies place ads in their products, aim to foster a revolution in the
software business. Generating revenue through advertising, they say, will
make software more like Web sites, which can be offered free of charge. The
advertising, these companies contend, will allow software developers to
abandon free trial periods and reduce prices to the end user.

In addition, the technology these companies are offering allow software
developers to have longer-term relationships with their customers, and
monitor usage patterns on their products.

"TUCOWS has excellent relationships within the software community, and we
are thrilled to team up with such a respected partner," said Ofer Druker,
vice president of marketing at Cydoor.

"Through our partnership, TUCOWS and Cydoor will provide a hugely valuable
package to software companies, enabling them to gain a steady source of
income as well as an all-important and fast-growing user base."